Created With Your Mood in Mind - Tiny Kitchen Candle Co

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Regina Pasqualone, owner of Tiny Kitchen Candle Co., located in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Tiny Kitchen Candle Co. is a woman-owned, indie home fragrance brand that came to life in a tiny kitchen in New Jersey. We aren't just trying to bring you amazing fragrances, we strive to create a complete sensory experience through our products.

Every component of our candles- from the classic amber jars and crackling wood wicks to our meticulously designed, gold-accented packaging- has been intentionally incorporated to help customers romanticize their lives. Our customers are people who are passionate about quality fragrances and value artisanal products.

Tell us about yourself

The idea for this business came to me in a sort of "Aha!" moment while I was teaching a classroom full of high school English students. I think there was a creative void within me that wasn't being filled by weekend craft projects. I wanted to be creative as a career. I also really, really desired more time with my family and time to take care of myself. Developing this brand and business has allowed me to make space for all the things that are truly important to me!

I think my greatest motivator to continue on this career path is my son. It's important to me that he sees his mother doing something that she loves. I want him to know that women are strong, smart, and savvy and always deserve a seat at the table. I also want to make clear that he has options when it comes to his career. It is possible to make a switch if you aren't happy!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is simply that I am doing this business thing! From someone that has ZERO business experience, I would say that's a pretty amazing feat.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of my greatest challenges right now is time management. Because we are a small operation (it's just my husband and me), we each have to wear so many hats! Some days I really want to just experiment with creating new fragrances when I know I have a bunch of wholesale orders to fill. My son is also on summer break from school, so the time I would usually have to myself to focus on work is non-existent at the moment. Every day is a balancing act!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Don't be afraid of "No." There will be people who don't like what you have to offer or don't want to hear what you have to say. That's OK. That just means you aren't talking to the right people!
2. Ask all the questions! There were so many things I did not know getting started, but I found that when I asked questions, most people were willing to answer them!
3. Tackle one thing at a time. As business owners (and creatives), we have all of these great ideas, and we want to roll them all out at once. The problem is that we divide our attention which results in imperfect services or products. Take your time and do it right!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.tinykitchencandleco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinykitchencandleco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinykitchencandleco/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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